ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Electronics & IT
STPI organises seminar on growth avenues for Indian IT industry & emerging tech eco-system on its 32nd Foundation Day
Three MoUs signed for strengthening startup ecosystem
A report on “Innovations through Agritech” also released
Software Technology Parks of India , Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology  conducted seminar on “Growth avenues for Indian IT industry and emerging tech ecosystem” here today on its 32nd Foundation Day, which was graced by Secretary, MeitY, Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma. He extended his greetings to the STPI for clocking 32 years.
Listing out six pillars of IT development, Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma said, “Today, the world is talking about digital transformation. India is moving from e-governance to digital governance, where each service has to be online. The six major pillars of development that make India an IT superpower are connectivity, low-cost data, affordable devices, people-friendly policies, future-ready talent and cyber security.”
Delivering the welcome address, Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI, said, “It’s a proud moment for all of us as we have completed 32 years of serving the IT/ITES industry. Over these last three decades, the STPI has achieved many milestones. It mitigated the three basic concerns of the industry, including ease of doing business, high-speed internet and computing devices.”
Emphasising on the need of India and STPI moving towards high value addition and products, Shri Ajai Chowdhry, Founder, HCL and Chairman, EPIC Foundation, said, “The world is changing and we should be looking at where India’s next opportunity lies. The STPI has created a fantastic support system for the software industry. They have been exceedingly successful in proving that enabler which was essential to get it started and to scale. Now, we have to move towards high value-addition,” he added.
The event also witnessed three Exchange of MoUs—STPI Next Initiatives & BRC, SRM institute of Science and Technology and STPI Next Initiatives & India Angels Network and Center for Entrepreneurship Development and STPINEXT initiatives and Incubation  of National Institute of Technology  Trichy. An agritech report, titled “Innovations through Agritech: A study on the adoption and impact of technology on agri and agri-allied sectors”. The report aims to provide insights into the current state of Agritech in India, the challenges faced by the sector, and the opportunities for growth and innovation.
Smt Padmaja Ruparel, Co-Founder, IAN; Dr Ganesh Natrajan, Chairman, 5F World & Honeywell India; Dr Anand Deshpande, Founder, Persistent Systems and also graced the inaugural session.
Esteemed panellists, including Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary, MeitY; Shri Suresh Raman, Vice President & Regional Head, Chennai, TCS; Ms Sairee Chahal, Founder & CEO, SHEROES & Mahila Money; Shri Sridhar Muppidi, Co-Founder, PurpleTalk India Private Limited; Dr Shakti Goel, Chief Architect and Data Scientist, Yatra Online Limited and Shri Suryansh Jalan, President, FarEye Technologies deliberated on “IndiaAhead: TechAde of opportunities and STPI’s role in promoting emerging technologies ecosystem”.
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate Notification No. 42/2022 - Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby makes the following amendments in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Notification No.40/2022-CUSTOMS , dated 5th May, 2022 with effect from 19th May, 2022.
In the SCHEDULE-I of the said Notification, for serial No.18 and the entries relating thereto, the following shall be substituted, namely: -
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18.
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Ministry of Defence
VISIT OF INS KOLKATA TO DJIBOUTI
INS Kolkata visited Djibouti from 04 – 07 May 22, as part of the anti-piracy patrol being undertaken by the Indian Navy to ensure safe transit of merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden. Captain Prashant Handu, the Commanding Officer called on Colonel Ahmed Daher Djama, Commander of the National Navy of Djibouti and Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh, Commander-in-Chief of Djibouti Coast Guard during the visit. Both dignitaries also visited INS Kolkata, along with personnel from the Djibouti Navy and Coast Guard. The courtesy and camaraderie exhibited by the Djibouti Coast Guard and Navy to INS Kolkata reflects the strong friendship they share with the Indian Navy.
Ministry of Electronics & IT
Government will put in place a less prescriptive, more principle-based legal framework to catalyze India Techade: MoS Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar
No issue with crypto currency, if all laws of the land are followed: Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar meets NXP leadership and the Indian startups being mentored by them, says Semicon India Future Design initiative to catalyse Semiconductor ecosystem
The Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar has said that the Government will put in place a less prescriptive and more principle-based comprehensive legal framework for catalyzing India's Techade and to build a trillion-dollar economy, in Bengaluru today.
MoS Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar addressing the Itech Law International Conference 2023
“The Government is working on a comprehensive legal framework that will include legislations like the proposed Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, the National Data Governance Framework, the amended IT rules etc. and the upcoming Digital India Act -- which will be less prescriptive and more principle-based-to enable and support a vibrant startup and innovation ecosystem,” said Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar while addressing the Itech Law International Conference 2023 being held here. Legal luminaries and experts were part of the gathering.
ITechLaw is organising the conference that focuses on broad spectrum of expertise in the technology law field.
Stating that the Government has always held stakeholders’ views as important, the Minister said, “The efficacy, implementation and acceptance of any bill or legislation is as good as how many minds come together to help in its draft. Our effort has been to involve as many stakeholders as possible in the process of law making. It is the government’s legislation as much as it's the stakeholders’ legislation.”
Later in an interactive session, he said, “India will lead the world in all things blockchain-both in size and scale and how we migrate to web 3.0.”
In reply to a query about the Crypto currency, the Minister said there was no issue with crypto unless all laws and rules of the land were followed. “There is nothing today that outlaws crypto as long as you follow the legal process. If you want to invest in crypto, make sure you go through the RBI, get your LRS eligibility, the dollars as per rules.”
The Minister then visited the NXP office in Bengaluru and met their leadership. He also interacted with the startups and entrepreneurs that are being mentored by them. They shared details about their projects with the Minister and showed keen interest in the Government of India’s Design Linked Incentive Scheme. Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar also maintained that DLI can help in their growth trajectory.
Later in the evening, the Minister will be meeting Global Capability Center heads to discuss the growth of the semiconductor and electronics sectors.
Ministry of Steel
MOIL celebrates its 61st Foundation Day; Secretary, Ministry of Steel visits MOIL
MOIL marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 61st foundation day on 22nd June 2023. The momentous occasion was graced by Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary, Govt. of India, Ministry of Steel as the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, congratulated MOIL on this occasion and exhorted them to enhance production.
Shri A.K Saxena, CMD, MOIL highlighted the upbeat performance of the company in the last few months and expressed confidence for the record performance for FY’24. On this occasion, several magazines and manuals were also released by dignitaries.
A gala musical function was organised on this occasion with the star performers being Shri Pawandeep Ranjan & Arunita Kanjilal  and Shri Gaurav Sharma, stand-up comedian. Cultural events across the company were organised and the winning teams of different mines also performed on this occasion.
As part of its 61st foundation day, a series of events are being organised by the company which includes a plantation drive of 60,000 plants in FY’ 24, blood donation camps, medicine & cardiac diagnostic camps, and cultural programs across all the mines in MOIL.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s meeting with the Prime Minister of New Zealand
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Chris Hipkins, Prime Minister of New Zealand on 22 May 2023 in Port Moresby, on the sidelines of the 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation . This was the first interaction between the two Prime Ministers.
The two leaders discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation initiatives, and agreed to expand cooperation in various sectors including trade & commerce, education, information technology, tourism, culture, sports and people to people ties.
Ministry of Defence
Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa receives Baton of Chairman COSC
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa received the baton of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee from outgoing Chairman COSC and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, here today. Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa will be the Chairman COSC with effect from May 31, 2019 consequent to relinquishment of charge by Admiral Sunil Lanba upon superannuation.
Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College and the National Defence Academy, was commissioned in the Flying Branch of Indian Air Force in June 1978. He is an experienced fighter pilot and a qualified CAT ‘A’ Flying Instructor with over 3000 hours of flying experience to his credit. The Air Chief Marshal has mainly flown the MiG-21 aircraft with flying experience across the entire spectrum of fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
During the Kargil war , he was the Commanding Officer of a frontline ground attack fighter squadron. He has held many coveted operational and staff assignments that include command of a frontline fighter Base, Director Fighter Operations and War planning at Western Air Command, Chief Instructor  at DSSC, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff  at Air HQ and Senior Air Staff officer of two operational Commands. He was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command and has also been the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
Admiral Sunil Lanba is proceeding on retirement on May 31, 2019 after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. An ardent supporter of Tri-Services Jointmanship, he was instrumental in harmonising the efforts of the three Services in a number of Tri Services issues.
Nampi/Rajib/HS
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Ministry of Defence
CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF VISITS FORWARD AREAS IN CENTRAL SECTOR AND HQ WESTERN COMMAND OF INDIAN ARMY New Delhi: Asadha 08, 1943
The Chief of Defence Staff , General Bipin Rawat visited forward areas along the Line of Actual Control in the Central Sector in Himachal Pradesh along with GOC, Uttar Bharat Area today. On arrival at the forward most post in Sumdoh Sub-Sector, the CDS was briefed on the operational preparedness of own forces towards safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation. The CDS interacted extensively with the Indian Army, ITBP and GREF personnel deployed in the remote areas and appreciated their state of high morale. He encouraged all ranks to keep up the high state of alertness and professionalism displayed by them.
Later in the day, General Bipin Rawat visited the Headquarters of Western Command of Indian Army at Chandimandir where he reviewed the operational situation along the Western borders. The CDS commended the formation for their efforts to ensure force preservation and at the same time stepping forward to provide support in terms of establishing COVID hospitals at Chandigarh, Patiala, Faridabad, providing paramedical staff in aid of civil hospitals, assistance in vaccination of common citizens and revitalizing oxygen plants at various places in the nation’s fight against the pandemic. He stressed upon the need to focus on training hard and remain vigilant to thwart the nefarious designs of our adversaries. He emphasized that all ranks must keep themselves abreast with latest trends in information technology, emerging cyber threats and counter measures.
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AA,BSC,VBY
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Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Cabinet authorises NHAI to set up Infrastructure Investment Trust and monetize National Highway projects
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the proposal of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways,authorizingNational Highways Authority of India to set up Infrastructure Investment Trust  as per InvIT Guidelines issued by SEBI. This will enable NHAI to monetize completed National Highways that have a toll collection track record of atleast one year and NHAI reserves the right to levy toll on the identified highway.
Impact:
InvIT as an instrument provides greater flexibility to investors and is expected to create the following opportunities:
- Generation of specialized O&M Concessionaires.
- Attract patient capital  to the Indian highway market, as these investors are averse to construction risk and are interested in investment in assets which provide long-term stable returns.
- Retail domestic savings and corpus of special institutions  to be invested in infrastructure sector through InvIT.
Background:
Roads and highways are the lifeline of the economy, connecting remote and far-flung areas and ensuring efficient transportation on regional as well as pan-India basis. Development of National Highways has a multiplier effect in terms of facilitating trade and enhancing the overall economic development of a region.
In October 2017, Government of India launched BharatmalaPariyojana, which is the flagship highway development programme of Government of India for development of 24,800 km of roads for a total investment of Rs. 5,35,000 crore.
Given the magnitude of the Bharatmala program, NHAI would need adequate funds to complete the Projects within the prescribed timelines. As a part of this exercise, a workable option is to monetize the completed and operational NH assets to unlock their value and offer attractive schemes to private players to invest in construction of National Highways.
Implementation:
Using new and innovative financing vehicles has become inevitable for organisations like NHAI that have limited existing sources of funds. The then Finance Minister, in his Budget Speech of year 2018-19, had stated that NHAI may consider organizing its road assets into Special Purpose Vehicles and use innovative monetizing structures such as Toll, Operate and Transfer model and Infrastructure Investment Trusts .
Based on the learning and experience, NHAI has been actively working on setting up an InvIT to monetize its completed and operational national highways projects with the objective of mobilizing additional resources through capital markets.
NHAI's InvIT will be a Trust established by NHAI under the Indian Trust Act, 1882 and Securities and Exchange Board of India  Regulations, 2014. The InvIT Trust will be formed with an objective of investment primarily in infrastructure projects . InvIT may hold assets either directly or through an SPV or a holding.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Vigilance Awareness Week begins at Paradip Port Trust
As per the directions from Central Vigilance Commission, Paradip Port Trust  is observing Vigilance Awareness Week from 26th October to 1st November 2021. Centered on the theme “Independent India@75: Self-Reliance with Integrity”, the week-long function started with administering pledge by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPT to the employees, this morning adhering to the Covid-19 protocols. Following the pledge, a spot quiz contest on vigilance knowledge was held among the employees.
Further, with an aim to bring transparency and improve efficiency in the PPT billing system, Shri Haranadh launched “Online Bill processing and payment system” for contactors and vendors of PPT. With induction of the new digital platform the complete billing cycle will reduce to mere two days. Since, it is online system, so the bill processing will be done in a transparent manner with minimal manual interference.
During week long celebrations of Vigilance Awareness Week, online debate competition among the local school students and other activities related to Vigilance Awareness are scheduled. PPT employees are also taking integrity e-pledge through PPT Website and the Website of CVC. Each department of PPT is also conducting stakeholders meet during the week for awareness on corruption issues relating to the functioning of their particular departments. Several Hoardings have been displayed in the locality for creating awareness among the public. The Valedictory function will be held on 1st Nov. 2021, wherein the prizes will be distributed.
Ministry of Defence
Proposal to set up Defence Industrial Corridor In Salem, Tamil Nadu
Hon’ble Finance Minister in his budget speech  had announced setting up of two Defence Industrial Corridors in the country.In pursuance to the said announcement, it has been decided to develop one such corridor in Tamil Nadu and the other one in Uttar Pradesh.The Government has identified five nodal points in Tamil Nadu for setting up the Tamil Nadu Corridor which includes Salem.Other identified nodes are Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur and Tiruchirappalli.
Till date, six consultation meetings of stakeholders were organized across various nodes of Tamil Nadu.During the Tiruchirappalli meet held on 20th January, 2019, an investment of over Rs.3100 crore were announced by OFB/DPSUs & private industries for Tamil Nadu Defence corridor.
Further, Government has also appointed a consultant for the preparation of Detailed Project Report for Defence Corridor.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naikin a written reply to ShriDr. V. Maitreyanin Rajya Sabha today.
Nampi/DK/HS
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Ministry of Education
Sindhu Central University will offer 3 significant post-graduate level programs in the first Academic Year 2023-24
Online applications for admissions to the 3 programs solicited
The Sindhu Central University, Ladakh,has been established by the Central Universities  with the territorial jurisdiction of UT of Ladakh. The university will be fully supported by the Central Government, Ministry of Education. The first meeting of the Executive Council of Sindhu Central University chaired by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur and Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras was held on 23rd May 2023. Both the Directors of IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras will mentor the establishment of the University’s academic and related activities.
The Sindhu Central University will offer 3 significant post-graduate level programs in the first Academic Year 2023-24. The programs include MTech Energy Technology & Policy, MTech Atmospheric & Climate Sciences, and MA Public Policy. Mentoring by IITs will be a unique opportunity for setting quality education to the students of the region and those students admitted for the unique programs of the study. The university will have a transit campus at Ladakh and academic laboratories such as Atmospheric sciences and energy technology will be established.
Online applications for admissions to the 3 programs of study are solicited from the eligible candidates. These can be seen in the detailed advertisement given in the below URL. Students can submit online applications by clicking the URL http://sindhucu.edcil.co.in
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Centre deploys High-Level team to Kerala to investigate Avian Influenza Outbreak
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided to depute a high-level team to Kerala to take stock of Avian Influenza outbreak in the state. The team will investigate the outbreak in detail and submit report with recommendations.
The 7 member Central team to Kerala comprises of experts drawn from the National Institute of Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases, New Delhi, National Centre for Disease Control, New Delhi, National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The team is headed by Dr. Rajesh Kedamani, Sr RD, Regional Office of Health and Family Welfare, Bangalore.
The team will also assist the State Health Departments in terms of public health measures, management guidelines and protocols to manage the increasing cases of Avian Influenza being reported by the State.
Ministry of Defence
Modernisation of Armed Forces
Government is taking measures for modernisation of the Armed Forces, through procurement of new equipment and upgrading of existing equipment so as to ensure that the Armed Forces are equipped to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges. The modernisation projects are progressed as per the approved Capital Acquisition Plans and in terms of the extant Defence Procurement Procedure .
Capital procurement of defence equipment is undertaken from various domestic as well as foreign vendors, based on threat perception, operational challenges and technological changes and to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness.
During the last three years and in the current year, 197 contracts have been signed for capital procurement/upgradation of defence equipment for Armed Forces such as Missiles, Aircraft, Artillery guns, Assault Rifles, Radars, Rockets, Helicopters, Weapons, Simulators, Ballistic Helmets, Bullet Proof Jackets and Electronic Fuzes and Ammunition.
The Budget Allocation and Expenditure under Capital Budget Head under Defence Services Estimates are given below:-

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Year
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Budget Estimates
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Expenditure
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2017-18
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86488.01
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90438.39
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2018-19
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93982.13
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95229.06
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2019-20 
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1,03,394.31
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91862.97
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to Shri Hemant Sriram Patil and others in Lok Sabha today.
ABB/SS/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy
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Special Service and Features
Film Certification Category must in Film Advertisements: CBFC
The Central Board of Film Certification has directed that Film Producers must carry the category of certificate granted to a film in all advertisements after the date of certification. The rating granted to the film viz “U/A”, “ A” or “ S” should appear in all advertisements under the Cinematograph  Rule 1983 u/s 38, according to a press release issued by the D.Balamurali, Regional Officer, CBFC, Chennai.
The Press release further says that it is mandatory for the producer to carry the category of certificate granted to a film in the film’s advertisements in newspapers, wall posters, handbills and other media after the date of certification.
The Regional Officer warned that non- compliance of this statutory provision may invite action.
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